The Picture of Dorian Gray

A philosophical novel published in 1890 by Irish author Oscar Wilde, exploring themes of morality, beauty, and internal corruption. The protagonist, a young aristocrat named Dorian Gray, becomes enamored with his own portrait, painted by artist Basil Hallward. Influenced by the cynical Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian begins to pursue eternal youth and pleasure. Wishing to preserve his unchanging appearance, he makes a mystical pact that allows his portrait to age and reflect his sins and moral decay instead of him. As he indulges in vice and ruins the lives of those around him, Dorian eventually faces the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into the conflict between outward beauty and inner depravity, as well as the destructive power of unchecked hedonism.